Retiree Finds Reason to Pipe Up in Jackson County

John Downing plays the bagpipes under the name of Angus Folk Singer.  Photo by Jeff Steers, JTV News.

By Jeff Steers
JTV News

Jackson resident John Downing said he was annoying his neighbors on South Durand for nearly a month.

With a set of bagpipes in hand, Downing would practice on his front stoop – much to the chagrin of his neighbors.

The retiree used social media to alleviate some of the angst and received a warm welcome in the process.

Downing now performs at various “practice sites” found through the social media site Nextdoor – specifically the Queen’s Area Neighborhood Watch group. He posted a notice asking local residents if they have a corner where he could practice.

A total of 33 responded in favor of having Downing play the pipes in their area. Wednesday, he enjoyed temperatures near 70 degrees to play at three of the sites for approximately 20 minutes at each.

“After a month of playing on my front stoop on South Durand, I decided I was annoying my neighbors,” Downing said on Wednesday near the corner of South Webster and West Franklin streets in Jackson. “I asked for new sites (to practice) and received 33 requests.”

Downing said he was not always the polished performer that he is today. After two decades of trying to learn the Scottish instrument, he broke down and took lessons.

“I took lessons in 2014 and bought these bagpipes in 2016,” Downing said. “I have only been at this level for about six months.

“When you take lessons, there is the accountability factor … you have to be ready for the next lesson.”

Downing performs under the name Angus Folk Singer and plays at parties, care homes, funerals, and other events. He will play anywhere in Jackson County for a “small tip.”

“I am a singer, storyteller, and entertainer,” Downing said. “I have a huge repertoire of Scottish folk songs … especially Robert Burns.”

He also performs with the Glen Erin Pipe Band out of Lansing.

Downing can be reached via email at Angus.folksinger@att.net or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/john.downing.7169.